Lectures & Media

Upcoming speaking engagements:

Including Sex Workers, and a Rights-based Perspective, in Combating Human Trafficking
5th Annual Greater Cincinnati Human Trafficking Conference
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
8:30-4:30 (on site registration will open at 8am)
Conference Location: 2111 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207

Brought to you by: End Slavery Cincinnati and PATH Sponsored by: Cincinnati Red Cross

Pre-Registration (Ends January 20, 2012)
Individuals--$50
Groups (minimum 3)--$40 per person
Students (must provide copy of student ID)--$15
Volunteer Opportunities—Free Admission
Limited space-advance registration recommended. +$10 all admission prices after Jan. 20, 2012 Make Checks Payable to: ESC Rescue & Restore, YWCA

SUBMIT REGISTRATION TO: esccoordinator@ywcacin.org or FAX—513-241-7231 MAIL—ESC 5th Annual Conference, 898 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Momentumcon w/ Serpent Libertine (specific date/time TBA) Ironies of the Anti-trafficking Movement: How radical feminism and the end-demand message dis-empowers women and creates sexual compulsion



Documentaries, lectures, podcasts, video blogs:

Selling Sex Globally (documentary)

I met documentary film maker Meredith Ralston at a media training conference in the spring of 2010.  I agreed to interview with her over that weekend, and she has since shot video with me multiple times for her 6th documentary "Selling Sex Globally" (working title).  It looks as though she may make me a main character for this work, and I will update the progress of that project here. 

Related links:

• UNews.ca

 
The Value of Sex Work (lecture, documentary, pod casts, video blogs)

I developed this presentation for two main reasons:  1.) to show how sex has value in our society and 2.) to expound upon ideas of what creates demand for sex work beyond the motivations of those seeking trafficked/exploited victims.  Depending on the audience, I can gear this presentation to be an empowerment piece to other sex workers, or for more general or academic audiences, focused on a greater understanding of the complex and diverse reasons some men, women and transgender buy and sell sexual services.

This is a full presentation, requiring a minimum of 90 minutes for lecture and questions.  If there is not enough time for full presentation, I can offer streamlined options of a client-based, worker-based, or history-based perspectives.

Related links:

• National Sexuality Resource Center blog entry re: The Value of Sex Work

I am also continually working on this project, and always seeking subjects to interview regarding if, where, when and how sex work has value in society.  Value is a subjective term that means many things, and I am looking to go beyond what most views as the superficial pay offs of money and sexual stimulation to get to the deeper, and more human, needs sought in selling and/or buying sex services.  Contact me if you are interested in being interviewed for this project.  I welcome all perspectives, including arguments against sex work having any sort of value. 

Look for upcoming podcasts and video blogs about this as I move forward.  I will add that information here.

Other Lecture Topics

Ask a Sex Worker
Often times when I appear to speak, I get feedback from the audience stating they wish they had more time for Q & A, or that they would have liked to hear more personal accounts of my experiences as a sex worker.  Also, given the complexity of the industry as a whole, this option allows for greater flexibility on a broad range of topics instead of having one specific focus for the presentation.  This discusssion is a loose format, consisting of a brief introduction of myself then fielding questions from the audience. 

A Sex Worker's Response to Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is not a new phenomenon, but rather one that has recently gained more attention in the media, as well as with public policy makers.  This important social and political issue is very complex, making it difficult to address effectively.  Sex trafficking has become the face of human trafficking, as a whole, due to it's ability to draw attention to the problem, but how pervasive is sex trafficking compared to other forms of human trafficking?  Are the statistics used to raise money and awareness accurate?  Why do other forms of human trafficking not get the same media attention?  How do some groups use the issue of sex trafficking to further agendas that are anti-sex, or anti-male?  As a veteran in the sex work field, and advocate for anti-trafficking, I discuss these questions from a more critical perspective, and offer a sex workers rights based approach on how to address the issue of sex trafficking while also respecting the choices and freedoms of other consenting adults engaged in the industry.  

Including Sex Workers, and a Rights-based Perspective, in Combating Human Trafficking
This presentation is specifically geared towards an audience of anti-trafficking advocates, policy makers, NGO's and government officials to illustrate how and why including sex workers and a rights based perspective is important for helping create effective anti-trafficking strategies.  Not everyone working within the anti-trafficking movement has had the opportunity to come in direct contact with sex workers, and for those who have, some may have only come in contact with those that have been trafficked, making the strategies and policy ideas narrowly based.  I will discuss how including sex workers input will expand anti-trafficking advocates understanding about the vast diversity of those working in the sex industry, making it possible to better focus efforts on those that truly want and need assistance, and the best ways to provide that help.  I will also talk about how including rights-based approaches will further shared end goals of empowerment and self efficacy of all persons involved in sex work, regardless of their individual experience or perspective.  

What is Sex Work? Beyond the Headlines, Myths and Stereotypes
What do you think of when you hear the word "sex worker"?  A high priced call girl?  A street prostitute?  Maybe even a trafficked person?  The lives and experiences of sex workers are varied and complex.  Media representations often focus on the salacious extremes, missing a large portion of the conversation regarding the industry, especially in workers own voices.  Want to know more about who sex workers are and why they choose sex work?  Why some people seek out paid sexual services?  As a sex worker of 18 years, I offer the perspective I've gained through various outlets, including what I have learned from other colleagues and clients.

Ironies of the Anti-trafficking Movement:  How radical feminism and the end demand message dis-empowers women and fosters sexual compulsion (co-written and presented with Serpent Libertine from SWOP-Chicago)
In the fight to understand what drives the demand for sex trafficking, factions of the anti-trafficking movement have chosen an old stance that has been retooled for a new era: anti-sex.  Instead of trying to truly understand the root causes behind how and why some people choose to exploit and subjugate others, some feminists and conservatives instead choose to use the current media attention around human trafficking to further long-held anti-sex messaging.  We will take a look at historical perspectives of anti-sex/anti-porn campaigns within the feminist movement, and how radical feminists contribute to the breakdown of feminism as a whole when the feelings and perspectives of other women are ignored and dismissed as invalid.  We will also discuss the gender bias of these arguments, and how end-demand policy fosters further sexual compulsion in our society through the shame and repression it seeks to force upon consenting adults.   Further, we will discuss class bias, and lack of understanding of those living at the margins of society, and how we force people to become "victims" before support services, or "rescues" are offered. 

Tips from a Pro: Ask a Sex Worker About How to Have Better Sex
I've had over 18 years of experience as a sex worker, but my entire lifetime as been a sexual adventure!  Yes, human sexuality is my calling, and this is a large part of why I gravitated towards this industry.  Fantasy is sometimes just that, but if one wants to take the next step to make it reality, it's nice to have a expert to help you navigate with tips, advice, and proper technique.  My non-judgmental approach includes caveats about safer sex practices, as well as honesty and communication between partners.  My hope is to give people the information they need to help make the choices that best suit their interest and comfort levels.

Legalizing vs. Decriminalizing: A Right's Based Perspective
What is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing prostitution?  This presentation compares the different effects of each from civil and labor rights perspectives, as well as discussing global examples of each ideology. 

Spiritual Enlightenment Through Sexual Exploration
Our deepest, darkest secrets-our sexual fantasies-are a part of our unique and personal inner self.  Finding our way to those truths, and allowing them to come out without judgment or shame leads to a greater acceptance of ourselves, and therefore creates spiritual enlightenment.  Tapping in to one's sexuality is an important part of everyday interactions, as all creativity, sexual or not, is born from sexual energy.  Whether through ritual practices such as tantra, or simple self exploration, any method that increases our connection to our inner soul also connects us to our higher power.  We will discuss how finding unconditional love and acceptance for our most vulnerable thoughts and feelings translates into everyday empowerment.